A beautifully restored 18th century farmhouse in the most spectacular hill top site. Bright and spacious interiors are most thoughtfully decorated in traditional, Umbrian/Tuscan style with exposed timber beams, terracotta floors, oriental rugs and beautiful antique furnishings. Accommodation is split between the main house which sleeps 6 in 3 comfortable bedrooms and 2/4 in the small cottage across the garden. Both the house and the cottage are beautifully restored and refurbished but perhaps the most impressive feature of all is the spectacular hilltop position giving outstanding views over the surrounding country.
Villa Caterina
Pierantonio, Perugia, Umbria, Italy
Overview
Sleeps: 8
6 in the main house
2 in the Cottage
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Main house:
1 twin room
2 double bedrooms
Cottage:
1 Double bedroom
Rent per week
€2,240 – €5,565 per week depending on the season. Saturday to Saturday.
Detailed break down of price per week
Key features
House and separate Cottage
Infinity Pool
Outstanding hilltop location
Testimonials
The House and Accommodation
Sitting/Living Room which occupies the Southern end of the villa. At its end generous glass doors open to a terrace enjoying the best of the Southerly views. Three other French windows open to the gardens to east and west. Traditional stone floors and massive ceiling beams characterise its traditional character, otherwise flooded with natural light. There are two comfortable sofas, chairs and a large wood burning fire place making it a room relatively cool in the summer but warm in the winter. Two steps descend from its South Eastern corner into the
Kitchen/Dining Area a colourful and ornate Italian styled kitchen. The comfortable Dining area has a table capable of seating 10. The main part of the kitchen has French doors at its southern end leading out onto its own dining terrace shaded by a pergoda. French doors also lead onto the same terrace accessed from the sitting room giving a lovely choice of dining/eating/relaxing areas in shade or sun and immediately accessible to the house. The kitchen is well equipped with fitted units incorporating a double sink, gas cooker (5 rings) and large oven with extractor hood. Also a full height fridge/freezer, coffee making facilities and microwave. There is also a breakfast table with seating for 4.
Upstairs Sitting Room: Stairs from downstairs lead straight into an upstairs Sitting Room with sofa, chairs, open wood burning fireplace and flat screen Panasonic ‘smart’ TV with a DVD player and selection of DVD’s. There a small library of books for the enjoyment of guests. A door on the eastern side leads to external stone steps that descend to the garden on that side.
Bedrooms & bathrooms
Bedroom 1 (The Yellow Room) with twin beds and a door leading to the garden and views to the morning sun. Note this room does not have air conditioning. Bathroom adjoins with shower, washbasin and WC. On the ground floor.
Bedroom 2 – ‘The Blue Room’ with a Queen size double bed and windows facing North and East. A short passage leads to bathroom with a shower, WC and washbasin.
Bedroom 3 ‘The Master Bedroom’ a beautiful double bedroom with king size double bed and magnificent views to the South and East. It has an ensuite bathroom with shower, bath and WC and
The Cottage and Accommodation:
A short walk up the garden leads to a separate small cottage called ‘Shai’s Cottage’. This self contained cottage is accessed over and through its westerly facing terrace/seating area, shaded by its own vine clad pergoda through large glass doors into the main open plan:
Living Room /Kitchen Area. This main room has a comfortable ‘sitting room’ end to it with a sofa (which can open to form a queen size double bed) a woodburning stove in one corner and a sony music system. At the eastern end of the downstairs living area is a kitchenette with units incorporating a sink, fridge microwave and coffee making facilities. A door leads into the bathroom with WC, shower and washbasin.
Double bedroom 4: Wooden stairs lead up to a mezzanine/First floor double bedroom occupying a third of the floor with a Queen size double bed and windows in all directions.
Garden and Grounds
The garden surrounds the buildings on all sides. Its boundaries to the South, East and West are simply defined by its hilltop position with the ground sloping steeply away and giving way to the vast and magnificent Umbrian views.
Additional buildings, terraces and eating areas
There are numerous alternative furnished patio and terrace areas to enable relaxation, drinking, reading or eating in shade or sun, day and night and to take in Villa Caterina’s spectacular position.
There is a gas barbecue and also a pizza oven.
Swimming Pool
The superbly sited infinity swimming pool enjoys stunning views of the surrounding hills and is surrounded by a delightful herb and flower garden. The swimming pool measures 12m X 5m. Steps descend to a shallow end of 1m and deep end of 2m. Around the pool are a selection of sunbeds, tables, chairs and sun umbrellas.
Location
Villa Caterina is located in the stunning rural countryside of Umbria which is characterised by dramatic forested hills, interesting and unspoilt architecture and natural beauty.
There are local shopping facilities at Pierantonio, (20 mins), including a bakery, butcher, grocer, pharmacy, post office, bank and a couple of bars.
The nearest supermarket is in Umbertide (30 mins), located on the river Tiber, with a number of good walks and an excellent choice of restaurants. There is a market once a week at Umbertide, as well as many other local market towns notably Arezzo (1 hr 20 mins), Gubbio (44 mins) and Camucia (48 minutes)
Gubbio, (44 mins) is one of Umbria’s most perfect medieval hill towns. There is a Basilica high above Gubbio which makes for an enjoyable and impressive walking destination.
The nearest town/cities of size are Perugia (20mins) to the South and Florence (2 hrs 10 mins) to the North.
How to get there
Airports
Perugia (25 mins)
Siena (1hr 30 mins)
Florence (2hr 8 mins)
Pisa (3hrs)
Rome (2 hrs 30 mins).
Train
Perugia.
Things to see and do nearby
Massage & Bodywork
Private / group yoga classes
Pizza night with a pizzaiolo
using Caterina’s wood burning oven
Walking
There are a variety of local paths and routes from Caterina (all detailed in the house) to suit all ages and states of fitness.
Eating Out
a list of local recommendations can be found in The House Information Book.
Lago Trasimeno
(20 mins) – in addition to offering various water sport activities, towns such as Passignano and Castiglione del Lago are most appealing and the islands of Maggiore and Polvese can be accessed by short and enjoyable boat rides. Isola Maggiore features the ruins of a castle and church which make for an enjoyable visit.
Markets
The best local market is probably Umbertide on a Wednesday. The market is in the old centre of Umbertide. The market is on Wednesday approx. 7am-12pm.
All markets are morning only.
Tuesday: Pierantonio, Gubbio
Wednesday: Umbertide,
Thursday: Citta Di Castello
Saturday: Perugia
Golf
The Antognolla Golf Course is set amidst the 600 hectare Antognolla Estate. This championship golf course offers golfers of all abilities the opportunity to play on an expertly designed course, giving a true test of skill and judgement. The driving range is the perfect place to warm up before a round or just for working on your short game. The driving range is available for keen golfers seven days a week.
Riding
There are a number of riding stables where you can book a riding lesson or go for a ride in the countryside.
Canoeing
on the Tiber at Citta di Castello. Hire a Canadian canoe at Citta di Castello Canoe club. A great family day out.
Gubbio
(20 mins) – in addition to offering various water sport activities, towns such as Passignano and Castiglione del Lago are the most appealing and the islands of Maggiore and Polvese can be accessed by short and enjoyable boat rides. Isola Maggiore features the ruins of a castle and church which people always enjoy visiting.
Assisi
(30 mins) The birthplace of St Francis, Assisi is a must for any trip to Umbria and Italy. It is hard not to be awestruck by the magnificence and sheer grandeur of the Basilica. Above Assisi is the Eremo di Carcere (Hermitage), which is an old monastery built near the caves that were used by St Francis and contains the tree where he preached to the birds.
Perugia
(25 mins) The region’s capital city Perugia is just 20 minutes away and offers a wealth of cultural activities that include opera and the famous Umbria Jazz and Eurochocolate festivals. Other spectacular hilltop towns include Cortona and Preggio, the latter with its annual classical music festival
Montone
(20 mins) This town is one of the unspoilt gems of Umbria and the perfect place for a wonderful night out. Arrive in time to enjoy the sunset from the top of the town and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Then a drink in the delightful town square before heading to one of many good restaurants in the town. The town often hosts events including a film festival, an archery tournament between the different quarters, and dancing in the town square.
Florence, Tuscany
(120 mins) Day trips to Florence are easily manageable, either by car or train. It takes c 2 hours to drive to Florence. Alternatively, it is possible to take a train from Terontola station, where you can take advantage of free parking and cheap train travel to take a relaxing journey into the city, arriving 5 minutes walk from the Duomo.
Wine tasting
Umbria is an exciting wine region with numerous grape varieties grown only here on account of the unique climate and soils. The valley below Caterina was once predominantly vineyards which were abandoned in the 1950s as people left the countryside for the cities, now being replanted again. Vineria del Carmine (5 mins) in the next door valley, is a cellar door for the wines produced from the vineyards in the valley. This 16th century building has been restored to provide the perfect area for the sommelier to explain the history of the valley and talk you through the wine tastings.
Thermal Baths
There are several thermal baths in Tuscany, the nearest are Rapolano Terme and San Crescentino dei Bagni. At Spa Hotel Terms San Giovanni there is a very nice spa hotel that offers packages for family day entries into the 4 thermal pools.
Frasassi Caves
The caves are open all year round and a visit can last approx. one hour. The caves consist of an immense cavern and a series of large chambers, tunnels, wells and labyrinths that snake for 13km. Stalactites formed over thousands of years have entwined themselves to create stunning reflections on the surface of the water and take on bizarre shapes.
Marmore Waterfalls
These spectacular waterfalls are located close to Terni in Southern Umbria. They are 165 metres in height and are the tallest man made waterfalls in the world. The Cascata delle Marmore were created by the Romans when they diverted the Velino river over the cliff into the River Nera.
Perugina Chocolate Factory and Museum
Chocolate lovers can take a trip to the nearby Perugina chocolate factory, visit the museum and take a guided tour of the factory. The tours lasts approximately 1hr and must be booked in advance.
Additional Information
Arrival welcome and departure: Tenants will be met on arrival and will be shown how everything works, both inside and out.
Wifi and Broadband: There is no landline telephone system but cell phone coverage is generally good. There is WIFi broadband internet access in the main house but not in the cottage where cell phones are provided to hotspot if required.
Housebook: There is an extensive House Information book with further details of all mentioned here.
Additional entertainment: There are a number of English language books, family board games and cards for the use and enjoyment of guests.
Services included: A welcome pack is provided on arrival.
Optional / additional services available: Villa Caterina’s custodian, Adrienne, lives independently in a small cottage on the property and will be available throughout your stay for any needs and requests you may have. She happy to help you discover Umbria and can assist in planning the following activities at or from the Caterina.
Any additional cleaning required can be booked at a charge of €15/hr in advance if required
Utilities: There is a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and drying racks located in the cave (utility room) beneath the main stone stairs, accessed from outside.
Air conditioning and heating: All bedrooms are air conditioned with the exception of Bedroom 1. This is an all year round property and is centrally heated throughout
Children: there is a travel cot and a high chair.
Car Parking: There is plenty of parking.
Rents
2024
Prices below are weekly rates for exclusive use of the main villa and cottage.
If you are interested in just renting the main villa or the cottage please enquire.
| Period | Rent per Week |
| 6th January – 30th March | €2,240 |
| 30th March – 18th May | €2,660 |
| 18th May – 15th June | €4,522 |
| 15th June – 31st August | €5,565 |
| 31st August – 28th September | €4,522 |
| 28th September – 19st October | €3,325 |
| 19th October – 21st December | €2,240 |
| 21st December – 3rd January 2025 | €4,025 |
Terms & conditions and the booking process
The Booking Process: A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 75% balance to be paid 6 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
Security Deposit: A Booking and Security Deposit of €600 will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing this Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental and any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. It will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy.
Minimum stay: Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week and will begin and end on a Saturday.
Arrival Time & Departure times: Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 5pm on the commencement day. They will be welcomed on arrival, given a tour of the property and shown how everything works. Tenants should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure.
Number of People: Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 10 people staying in the property at any one time.
Security: The owners’ insurance policy requires that all doors are locked, and that all windows and shutters are closed when tenants are away from the property.
Energy costs are included: The energy costs are included in the rental price.
Heating costs are included: The heating costs are included in the rental price.
Linen and towels: Linen and towels, and the cleaning of the linen and towels are included in the rental price. These will be changed on a weekly basis.
Pets: No Pets
Smoking: No smoking allowed inside the property. Caution should be taken when smoking outside during the summer months as the risk of fire can be extremely high.
Internet access: yes, included in the rental price.
Optional / additional services available: any additional services, if available, (eg extra cleaning or cooking) will be agreed in advance at a pre-agreed rate per hour. These costs will be the sole responsibility of the tenant.